Rower Jamie Douglas-Hamilton prepares for Antarctic trial

SCOTTISH adventurer Jamie Douglas-Hamilton is preparing to row from Antarctica to South Georgia to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and honour Sir Ernest Shackleton’s carpenter. Douglas-Hamilton is undertaking the row just months after undergoing open heart surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to repair a leaking aortic valve. The 950-mile expedition is…

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Vegware appoints new boss as founder steps down

PLANT-BASED packaging maker Vegware has unveiled its new top team as the Edinburgh-based company’s founder stands down. Joe Frankel launched his business in 2006 and was joined by his sister, Lucy, in 2011. The company was bought last year by American packaging giant Novolex. Now, Joe is stepping back from the firm to make way…

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Foresters donate Scottish Government Christmas tree

THIS year’s Scottish Government Christmas tree has been donated by a Scottish forestry company. Highfield Forestry, which is based in Perth, grew the seven-foot Nordmann Fir at Beauly, near Inverness. David Grieve, head of operations at Highfield Forestry’s Biggar office, said: “We are really proud to have been able to supply the Scottish Government with…

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Grouse season gives £350m boost

THE grouse season ends today, following its five-month boost to Scotland’s rural economy. Grouse shooting generates more than £350 million a year and supports the equivalent of 11,000 jobs, according to “The Gift of Grouse” campaign. Ross Ewing, moorland director at membership body Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Grouse shooting is the bedrock of the…

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Whisky news round-up: Deacon Blue, festivals, and more

Peter Ranscombe sticks his tongue in his cheek to round-up the latest news from the world of whisky. THE National Whisky Festival of Scotland returns to Edinburgh tomorrow. The festival is back at Summerhall, the arts centre in the former Royal Dick Vet School near the Meadows. Gareth Croll, the festival’s co-ordinator, said: “It’s such…

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Hospitality news round-up: Kinloch Lodge, Tipo, and more

Peter Ranscombe checks in for the latest news from the world of hospitality. KINLOCH Lodge on Skye is rounding off its 50th anniversary with a spot on Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s “Gold List” for 2023. Manager Isabella Macdonald’s parents – Lord Godfrey Macdonald, high chief of Clan Donald, and his wife, Lady Claire Macdonald –…

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Mountain experts urge public to ‘#ThinkWINTER’

MOUNTAIN safety campaigners have launched their “#ThinkWINTER” campaign urging the public to access the right information and advice before venturing into the hills. Now in its fifth year, the scheme is a joint venture between Mountaineering Scotland, Scottish Mountain Rescue, Mountain Training Scotland, Glenmore Lodge, Developing Mountain Biking Scotland, Snowsport Scotland, The Scottish Avalanche Information…

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Munro unveils Scottish electric 4×4

AN ELECTRIC 4×4 off-road vehicle capable of running for 16 hours is being unveiled this evening. East Kilbride-based carmaker Munro has named its first vehicle the “Mk_1”. The company will begin producing the vehicles next year, before moving to a larger factory in 2024. It plans to create 300 jobs and expand production from 250…

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Line-up revealed for Borders Art Fair

MORE than 70 artists, galleries, and makers have been lined-up for next year’s Borders Art Fair. Exhibitors taking part in the event include Marchmont-based sculptors Richard Goldsworthy and Michelle de Bruin, Aberfeldy-based painter Audrey Slorance, the Whitehouse Gallery from Kirkcudbright, and the Society of Scottish Artists. Other highlights include: ceramics from the new Redbraes Pottery…

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Bid to save Edinburgh Filmhouse

A CINEMA operator from Bathgate has unveiled a bid to save Edinburgh Filmhouse. Gregory Lynn, who now lives in Dunbar, has run the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End for more than 20 years. Edinburgh Filmhouse closed in October following the collapse of its owner, the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI), which also…

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